popcorn

 noun
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pop·​corn | \ ˈpäp-ˌkȯrn  \

Definition of popcorn

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: corn (Zea mays everta synonym Z. mays praecox) having kernels that upon exposure to heat burst open to form a white starchy massalso : the kernels especially after popping

popcorn

 adjective

Definition of popcorn (Entry 2 of 2)

: having widespread appeal but usually offering little artistic merit or intellectual stimulationpopcorn movies

Examples of popcorn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: NounGrab some popcorn and sit down with the kids for a summertime movie night!— oregonlive, 11 Aug. 2022This year, pop some popcorn, cozy up on the couch and stream your favorite Thanksgiving movies or Thanksgiving episodes of marathon-worthy shows.— Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 10 Aug. 2022Design lovers: grab the popcorn and your coziest throw blanket.— Claire Brito, House Beautiful, 28 July 2022See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'popcorn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of popcorn

Noun

1823, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1950, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for popcorn

The first known use of popcorn was in 1823

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Dictionary Entries Near popcorn

pop ash

popcorn

popcorn flower

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Statistics for popcorn

Last Updated

11 Sep 2022

Look-up Popularity

Top 12% of words

Cite this Entry

“Popcorn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/popcorn. Accessed 13 Sep. 2022.

Style: MLA

More Definitions for popcorn

popcorn

 noun
pop·​corn | \ ˈpäp-ˌkȯrn  \

Kids Definition of popcorn

1: corn whose kernels burst open when exposed to high heat to form white or yellowish puffy pieces
2: the kernels after popping

More from Merriam-Webster on popcorn

Nglish: Translation of popcorn for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of popcorn for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about popcorn